"I come to you with only Karate, empty hands, I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles or my honor, should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong; then here are my weapons, Karate, my empty hands."

Ed Parker

Grand Master Ed Parker knew he would not be around forever. In an effort to give longevity and structure to his new AMERICAN KENPO SYSTEM Ed Parker set minimum standards for obtaining each belt rank, Yellow Belt through 3rd Black Belt

In 1987 - Three years before his death on December 15, 1990 - Ed Parker published Volume V of INFINITE INSIGHTS INTO KENPO. In this book he set forth the minimum requirements for each belt. Those requirements would specify the exact techniques to be taught; the order in which they should be taught and the kata/s required.